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Why a Senior Dog?
So many cute and wiggly puppies, so many younger dogs with many years ahead of them. Why would anyone want to adopt a senior? Why would anyone take the chance of heartache that the loss of a dog can bring?
When you ask that question to people who have adopted an older dog you will get many answers.
Maybe…
They wanted a dog that is quieter and doesn’t need as much exercise. Though that is not always the case!
They wanted a dog that is already housetrained and settled in who they are. They wanted to give a second chance to a dog whose life has not been good until they were taken into rescue. What happens when you adopt a senior dog? When you first take in your senior and see their joy in a car ride, a special treat, a warm, soft bed it is a humbling experience. Little did you know that the things that younger dogs have taken for granted are treasured by a senior. Each soft touch from you, each caring word, each welcome home is collected by these dogs, as precious to them as any bone. They will allow you to see the world with golden warmth as you remember the
importance of patience and understanding and how to just sit and watch…a sunset…a bee…someone’s smile.
A senior dog gives us the opportunity to be our very best person. They do it without knowing, but with a nudge, a wag, a look, they allow us to face our fears of loss with dignity and compassion. Just like they do.
And if we are lucky, they are with us for much longer than we could ever imagine. No matter what, we are blessed with the lessons that they have taught us.
One By One
One by one, they pass by my cage,too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore, it seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed, a place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head, can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day, the younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,you saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age, and felt I still had life beyond this cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed, and shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low, you love me so dearly, you want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another, but you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give, to you, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week, or for years, we will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave, I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new, my thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear, of the person who made my last days so dear.
*Leslie Whalen*
Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog
Senior dogs love to sleep and cuddle the day away. They enjoy a brisk daily walk, but the best part of the day is the nap. They love for you to join them.
Senior dogs have a tremendous amount of love to give. When you rescue a senior dog, you have a best friend for life.
Senior dogs reward your care with an unwavering devotion. Nothing matches the love of a senior dog for his rescuer.
Senior dogs have learned many of life's lessons. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing.
Senior dogs know that great outdoors is for eliminating and the house is for relaxing. Your carpet will last longer with a senior dog.
Senior dogs can learn new tricks and be valuable family and community members. They make excellent therapy dogs.
Senior dogs often fit into your household with ease. They find the softest, warmest spot in the house and claim it for their own, but they will share with you, too.
Senior dogs make excellent companions for everyone, especially senior people.
Senior dogs are often the first to be killed in area shelters. Passed over for cute and cuddly puppies, they often do not have a chance and must go to make space for more puppies.
Adopting a senior dog saves a life!
Available for Adoption
"Heidi" is the quintessential southern bell. As is only proper since she hails from South Carolina. She is a petite 8-9yr old, prances when she walks and is VERY camera shy, I have only one good picture and that is of her sleeping....the rest are of her hiding (in my bedroom, behind the wood stove...etc...) from the camera or making a quick exit ! "Heidi" has been a dream right from her arrival. She was introduced to our other 7 dogs, ranging in age from 11 yrs to 3 yrs and from males to females with not even a growl. She is definitely a woman's dog, following me wherever (including the shower !) I may go, however she will curl up with anyone who happens to be on the couch. I think "Heidi" would truly fit into almost any household, mine is very busy and she seems unbothered by it all. She is good with all the cats and my older kids
For more information on Heidi, please contact her foster mom Tonya at richlanddco@frontiernet.net
Spayed: Yes
UTD on Vaccines: Yes
Heartworm Test Results: Negative
Heartworm Preventative: Yes
Flea/Tick Preventative: Yes
Microchipped: Will Be prior to adoption
Housebroken: Yes
Available for Adoption
Hello my name is Dax and I have a really big (and special) story but I’m going to try and tell you the short version. My name wasn’t always Dax, in fact until September of 2009 I didn’t have a name, I was just referred to as Guard Dog #1. I spent the first 5-6 years of my life in a scrap metal yard in New Jersey. During the day I would be locked up in a 3x4 cement “shelter” with no windows or heat and just some vent holes at the top. At night I was let out to patrol the yard. During those days the guard company that owned me would put un-spayed females in with me and they would have puppy litters that the company would take to be used as new guard dogs. In September 2009 I had a second litter with a pretty little female (Dana, f/k/a Guard Dog #2) and the manager of the yard reached out to rescue to save the puppies and three great guys from BDBH came down. While they were there they asked to see Dana and I. Michael was one of the guys who was there and he was very sad for me. My living conditions were horrible and I had never had a bath or been vetted. Dana jumped the barrier to say hi to the guys (because she is a terrible guard dog) and just wants to be loved. I had been under socialized for years and just wanted to go back inside. Although Michael had to leave, he had made up his mind that Dana and I needed a new life. He pleaded with the manager who asked the owner to release me to rescue and by the end of the following week Michael was on his way back down to get me. When I arrived in Rochester I did not want to be around anyone and was confused as to what was happening as I had never known any other environment (did I mention I was a little under socialized). My good friend Leslie helped get me settled. The very next morning Michael came down to feed me and I immediately liked him, he then introduced me to Darcy and I decided I liked her also. I met some others that, at the time I wasn’t sure I could trust so I may have tried to scare them away…just a little
I spent the next few months getting used to being inside a house with the new sights and sounds that I have never been exposed to. I also had quite a few canine housemates that I watched from afar until I was comfortable enough to meet them. Within those few months Michael decided that we needed to see how I was going to do in this new world and brought me out to meet the pack. At first I was a bit pushy, but was not aggressive in any way, as I was just happy to be in this new great place meeting new great friends. Over time I have met some of the other rescue folks, Michael’s kids (the youngest is 9 and he likes to grab my face and make silly sounds) and lots of other dogs. I have even been to meet and greet several times, which is at the pet store, and have met all sorts of people (I love meeting new people) big and little dogs (I tend to get vocal when I see little dogs but I am very gentle when I meet them). We have even had some puppies at the house and I was very careful with them and even chased them around a bit to play!
So, here is where I am at today:
-I was never trained in real “guard-dog” duties or bite work so I am not an aggressive dog.
-The world is still a very new place for me and I get so excited to go out as I want to explore.
-I am very good at obeying, although I don’t know a lot of commands
-I am a bit of a bull head because I have not lived with any rules but I do listen and understand what “No” means. I do not fight over toys or food
-I tend to pick on dogs that are submissive, not in a mean way but just to show them I’m boss
-I am very gentle and even roll over to have my belly rubbed
-I may be older but I have lots of energy and love to chase a ball and play fetch. I like to be around other dogs but don’t really play with them, I prefer my human interaction!
Michael is completely in love with me (how could he not be, and he’s probably tearing up just writing this, he’s such a big baby). He hugs me all the time and just gives me loving; of course I seek it out because it is awesome to have so much attention. He realizes what a tough life I have lived and he will only adopt me out to a very special home where I will be part of the family and where I will be loved a lot. No more sleeping outside for me and a place where I can get lots of attention to make up for all I have missed. I will also need to continue to be socialized a lot so I will need a home where I get to go places often. I have to say from where I started I have came a long way quickly and I am a really nice boy that wants a very special home.
For more information on me that Michael didn’t cover and if you think you would provide me with a great home, please contact Darcy at darcydrons@gmail.com
Neutered: Yes
UTD on Vaccines: Yes
Heartworm Test Results: Negative
Heartworm Preventative: Yes
Flea/Tick Preventative: Yes
Microchipped: Yes
Housebroken: Yes
